North Wollongong: Terrifying moment boy is swept away by giant wave

A little girl was swept into turbulent waters by a huge wave while walking along a boardwalk with her father, who jumped to her rescue moments later.

Video footage captured the moment the girl, accompanied by her father, walked along the boardwalk in North Wollongong around midday on Saturday.

The area was being hit by intense waves caused by a powerful storm that had hit much of the east coast the night before.

A massive wave hit, sweeping the girl to the ground and into the turbulent white waters below.

Her father wasted no time jumping over the railings and diving into the water to rescue her.

Four ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene, while passers-by grabbed nearby buoys to help the couple.

The father could be seen desperately holding on to the girl as she struggled to stay afloat in the rough seas.

A witness said the father was exhausted when he was pulled from the water.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the pair were treated for ingestion of small amounts of water and minor abrasions.

Both were taken to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.